Divine Right and Democracy

Quick Overview

David Wootton’s masterly compilation of speeches, essays, and fiercely polemical pamphlets—organized into chapters focusing on the main debates of the century—represents the first attempt to present in one volume a broad collection of Stuart political thought. In bringing together abstract theorizing and impassioned calls to arms, anonymous tract writers and King James I, Wootton has produced a much-needed collection; in combination with the editor’s thoughtful running commentary and invaluable Introduction, its texts bring to life a crucial period in the formation of our modern liberal and conservative theories.

OR

The seventeenth century was England’s “century of revolution,” an era in which the nation witnessed protracted civil wars, the execution of a king, and the declaration of a short-lived republic. During this period of revolutionary crisis, political writers of all persuasions hoped to shape the outcome of events by the force of their arguments. To read the major political theorists of Stuart England is to be plunged into a world in which many of our modern conceptions of political rights and social change are first formulated.

David Wootton’s masterly compilation of speeches, essays, and fiercely polemical pamphlets—organized into chapters focusing on the main debates of the century—represents the first attempt to present in one volume a broad collection of Stuart political thought. In bringing together abstract theorizing and impassioned calls to arms, anonymous tract writers and King James I, Wootton has produced a much-needed collection; in combination with the editor’s thoughtful running commentary and invaluable Introduction, its texts bring to life a crucial period in the formation of our modern liberal and conservative theories.

Contents:

Preface.

INTRODUCTION

Absolutism and the Ancient Constitution. Democracy: the People and the Multitude. From Duty to Self-Interest. A Technical Note.

CHAPTER ONE: THE DIVINE RIGHT OF KINGS

1. An Homily Against Disobedience and Wylful Rebellion (1570). 2. James VI and I, The Trew Law of Free Monarchies (1598). 3. James VI and I, A Speech to the Lords and Commons of the Parliament at White-Hall (1610). 4. Robert Filmer, Observations upon Aristotle’s Politiques (1652). 5. The Judgment and Decree of the University of Oxford . . . against Certain Pernicious Books and Damnable Doctrines (1683).

Notes on the Texts. Further Reading.

CHAPTER TWO: THE COMMON LAW

1. Sir John Davies, Le Primer Report des Cases et Matters en Ley Resolues et Adiudges en les Courts del Roy en Ireland (1615). 2. Sir Edward Coke, Le Tierce Part des Reportes (1602). 3. John Lilburne, The Just Defence of John Lilburn, against Such as Charge Him with Turbulency of Spirit (1653). 4. John Warr, The Corruption and Deficiency of the Lawes of England Soberly Discovered: or Liberty Working up to Its Just Height (1649).

Notes on the Texts. Further Reading.

CHAPTER THREE: PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUTIONALISM

1. The Petition of Right (1628). 2. Charles I, His Majesties Answer to the Nineteen Propositions of Both Houses of Parliament (1642). 3. Philip Hunton, A Treatise of Monarchy (1643).

Notes on the Texts. Further Reading.

CHAPTER FOUR: GODLY RULE AND TOLERATION

1. Richard Hooker, Of the Lawes of Ecclesiasticall Politie; The Sixth and Eighth books (1648). 2. Richard Baxter, A Holy Commonwealth, or Political Aphorisms, Opening the True Principles of Government (1659). 3. Roger Williams, The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution, for Cause of Conscience, Discussed (1644). 4. William Walwyn, The Compassionate Samaritane (1644).

Notes on the Texts. Further Reading.

CHAPTER FIVE: DEMOCRACY AND COMMUNISM

1. England’s Miserie and Remedie (1645). 2. An Agreement of the People (1647). 3. The Putney Debates (1647). 4. Gerrard Winstanley, A New-Yeers Gift for the Parliament and Armie (1650).

Notes on the Texts. Further Reading.

CHAPTER SIX: USURPATION AND TYRANNICIDE

1. Anthony Ascham, Of the Confusions and Revolutions of Governments (1649). 2. Robert Sanderson, A Resolution of Conscience (1649). 3. An Act for Abolishing the Kingly Office (17 March 1649). 4. An Act for Subscribing the Engagement (2 January 1650). 5. Some Scruples of Conscience which a Godly Minister in Lancashire Did Entertain (1650). 6. William Allen (i.e. Edward Sexby), Killing Noe Murder (1657).

Notes on the Texts. Further Reading.

CHAPTER SEVEN: THE SCIENCE OF LIBERTY

1. Francis Bacon, The Essayes or Counsels, Civill and Morall (1625). 2. James Harrington, The Art of Lawgiving in Three Books (1659). 3. Algernon Sidney, Discourses Concerning Government (1698).

David Wootton is Anniversary Professor of History, University of York. His translations of Machiavelli (The Prince and Selected Political Writings), Thomas More (Utopia), and Voltaire (Candide and Related Texts) are also published by Hackett Publishing Company.